PDF UtilitiesPDF SecurityFree Tool

PDF Digital Signature

Apply a cryptographic digital signature to a PDF using a PKI certificate. Unlike a visual e-signature, a digital signature mathematically proves authorship and detects any tampering after signing.

How to Use PDF Digital Signature
  1. 1Upload the PDF you want to digitally sign
  2. 2Load your digital certificate (PKCS#12 / .pfx file) and enter its password
  3. 3The tool applies a cryptographic signature using your private key
  4. 4Click 'Apply Digital Signature' to embed the signature in the PDF
  5. 5Download the signed PDF — recipients can verify authenticity with any PDF reader
Examples
  • Apply a PKI digital signature to a legally binding business contract
  • Sign a regulatory submission PDF with a digital certificate for compliance
  • Add a cryptographic signature to a financial report to prove its authenticity
  • Digitally sign a software distribution PDF to verify it has not been tampered with
Frequently Asked Questions

An electronic (visual) signature is an image of your signature placed on a page — it can be copied or forged. A digital signature uses PKI cryptography: your private key creates a unique hash of the document. Any change after signing breaks the signature and is detected.

A digital certificate (from a Certificate Authority or self-signed). The certificate contains your public key. Your private key signs the document. Recipients use your public key to verify the signature.

PKI digital signatures are legally recognised in most jurisdictions under eIDAS (EU), ESIGN (US), and equivalent laws. Qualification depends on the certificate tier (QES, AES, SES).

PDF readers (Acrobat, Edge, Chrome) automatically check the signature against the embedded certificate when the PDF is opened. A green check mark means the signature is valid and the document has not been modified.

Yes. Multiple people can sign the same PDF sequentially. Each signature covers the document state at the time of signing.

No. Signing happens in your browser. Your private key material is never transmitted to any server.

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